I am going into my fourth year teaching Kindergarten and while I do implement strategies that incorporate many different theories of learning, I also use a variety of tools that would be considered behaviorist strategies. I am aware that many people argue that behaviorist theories are outdated in classrooms, however, I feel as though with a fine balance of learning theories implemented, there is indeed room for behaviorist strategies in the everyday classroom. Many teachers may not even recognize that they are using these strategies when they are. I, of course, am not implying that the behaviorist theory is the only way to go but that utilizing it at times can be quite effective.
My students are very young and are at the very beginning of their educational careers. In kindergarten they are learning, most often times, what behaviors are appropriate and inappropriate and quite simply the basic foundational skills for reading and math and norms for being a student and functioning member of the community. This is also a time for students to learn about positive reinforcement and consequence for the first time in a classroom setting as well. It is very important for me to be firm and consistent in my behaviorist methods because I am helping my students to become problem solvers, independent thinkers, and disciplined students for their future. If I do this well then then hopefully a students behavior will not interfere with his/her education down the road. Most of the time for my kindergartners it is more about boundaries and consistent routine more than anything else. If they do not learn these things in their first year of school they will have a harder time adjusting and feeling successful in the coming years.
In my classroom to reinforce "good character" with "character cash" as a way to reward students for making positive choices and or showing good character in class or an the playground. In addition I also use many systems where my students get immediate results from me in regards to their behavior and effort. In addition, I use a variety of verbal cues and musical cues for classroom management. This creates a very calm environment. As for technology and behaviorist strategies, we have a couple programs at my school that allow students to get remediation practice while access results immediately. We use Earobics as an intervention program for students who are below grade level benchmark in one or more areas. This is a computer program that reinforces foundational skills while allowing for drill practice and rem edition. The program is able to track all of the student's progress and rewards them with levels to pass and a way to move up in the game. The kids really enjoy it and always ask for more time to play.
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Wow Jenny,
ReplyDeleteI would have to say that kindergarten has to be a great age to incorporate positive reinforcement. I completely agree with you when you say that you need to be firm with your decisions and behavior methods. You are setting a great stepping point for what good choices look like, and how everyone acts in certain situations. I am sure you use a lot of modeling in order for you students to learn the appropriate behaviors.
I like your idea of "character cash." I am a fourth grade teacher and I use something very similar to that. Instead of saying "character cash," I pass out red tickets. I pull three red tickets out at the end of every week. I remind students that the more red tickets they receive for good behavior, the higher their chances are of getting their name drawn. (This also allows for a great probability lesson!) I also have slips for students who are "caught having character" that seems to work out well too!
I really enjoyed reading your post. You have lots of great ideas!
Elizabeth Brindley
Jenny,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your thoughts that many people think that behaviorist theories are outdated and not applicable in today’s classroom; however, I believe that kindergarten is an optimal grade to incorporate behaviorist learning strategies. Reinforcement is a powerful tool that can be utilized with a young age group to help shape their behavior in a positive way. When students at this age receive positive reinforcement it encourages them to continue behaving appropriately in class; leading to less distractions, less time spent correcting inappropriate behavior, and more time spent on learning.
Justin Del Giudice
Jenny,
ReplyDeleteI too agree that it seems you are utilizing the behaviorist theories in a way that seems to be beneficial for the success of those young minds you are educating.
Our school just created a new positive behavior support program that has been launched this year. We too use a system of "bucks" to encourage positive behaviors. This is my sixth year at this school teaching 8th graders and I have never seen such a more positive environment at our school. Much like the environment it sounds like you create in your classroom on a daily basis.
Amanda D.
Jenny, I can't agree with you more. I try to make associations with almost everything we do, even if it's something silly! Nine times out of ten my students will remember what something means or how we do something through these little associations. The concept mapping is especially useful for students that struggle with the writing process. It really allows them to see the information in a very strategic way. The fact that it turns the information into an outline for them is an added advantage. I wish our school had Smartboard's, concept mapping would work really great as part of a whole class lesson. I am a strong believer in in learning through the senses, I think it really does work!
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